The Minister for Housing, Simon Coveney, has been urged to intervene to stop the eviction of the residents of Fisherman's Quay, Grove Island.

Making the call, Labour housing spokesperson Jan O'Sullivan TD believes that legislation passed just before Christmas in the Dáil may protect the residents depending on the number who have received eviction notices.

Asking for clarification from the Minister and his intervention, Deputy O'Sullivan said: "It is dreadful that people should be put under this kind of pressure and asked to leave the place they call home because the owner intends to sell.

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"When the legislation was going through the Dáil we proposed that all tenants should be covered, however, the Minister settled on a figure of ten or more and I am seeking urgent clarity on whether these residents are covered.

"Either way I believe there is a strong moral obligation to leave the tenants in their homes."

"This is the second time people renting in Limerick have faced eviction in this way.

"Security of tenure is essential, as well as protection from rent hikes.

"Limerick has been excluded from the rent pressure zones introduced by the Minister and it is essential now that these tenants are also protected.

"Legislation I introduced on behalf of the Labour Party last year would have ensured that sale of the property could not be used as an excuse to evict the sitting tenant and bring somebody else in at an increased rent.

"I am urging the Minister to intervene."

(MH/LM)